Budget 2016: Comment on Government support of Community Land Trusts

Commenting on the Government’s announcement of £60 million from extra stamp duty on second homes to support Community Land Trusts, John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said:

“Community Land Trusts are a great way of local people solving housing problems in their area – giving people the chance to live where they grew up, near family and friends in areas where they would otherwise be priced out of the market.

“Community Land Trusts have grown enormously in recent years and can do a huge amount to help people into homes in their local community. It is great news that the Chancellor is giving them clear support.”

CAF, through its social investment arm CAF Venturesome, has supported Community Land Trusts since 2008 - most recently in St Teath in Cornwall.

Commenting on the impact of the Budget on charities, Dr Low added: “Reduced growth forecasts and pressure on public finances point to continuing tough times for many charities, particularly the small and medium sized organisations which make up such a large part of civil society.

“These charities play an absolutely crucial role stepping in where Government cannot provide support and highlighting the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We need to make sure that those charities can continue what can be unsung but vital work.

“It is good news that the Chancellor continues to support charities through money from fines and VAT on sanitary products and we would urge the Government to build on this by creating a sustainable and transparent process to allow the widest possible range of charities to benefit.”

Notes to Editors

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a leading international charity registered in the UK. It helps people and businesses support the causes they care about and provides financial services designed for the charitable sector.